？ocuklarda ？inko Düzeyleri ？le Tekrar Eden Solunum Yolu Enfeksiyonu Aras？nda ？li？ki Var M？d？r?

Objective: There are many consequences connected with an inadequate intake of trace elements and Vitamin D. Allergic disorders and a susceptibility to respiratory infections may be related to deficiencies of trace elements and/or vitamin D. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate associations between recurrent respiratory system infections and Zinc levels; as well as other dependent factors. Methods: Three hundred and seventy one children living in Turkey were enrolled in the study between 2015 and 2017. Two hundred and forty nine had a history of either recurrent upper respiratory infections such as, acute otitis media, pharyngitis, rhinitis, or lower respiratory tract infections. 122 were considered as healthy controls. Age, gender, existence of adenoid hypertrophy, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, zinc levels, vitamin D levels, IgE levels, and a skin prick test were all evaluated. Results: A total of 371 children (mean age ± standard deviation = 47±31 months), 180 males and 191 females were included. No significant difference between the zinc levels of children with recurrent upper (mean ± standard deviation = 0,88±0,28) respiratory tract infections and lower respiratory tract (mean ±standard deviation= 0,88±0,35) infections was observed. Likewise, there was no significant difference between IgE levels of children with recurrent respiratory tract infections and healthy controls (p=0,4). Vitamin D levels, however, were found to be significantly lower in children with lower and upper respiratory tract infections (p=0,001). Conclusion: There was no significant difference in zinc levels between healthy controls and children with recurrent respiratory tract infections. However, if there is a documented low zinc deficiency, children with recurrent respiratory tract infections may be recommended a zinc supplementation protocol. Additionally, these children should also be monitored for adenoid hypertrophy; an independent risk factor for recurrent respiratory tract infections